I realize the cable trans offers slightly lesser weight and (possibly) better feel, but what else makes it worth swapping in a cable tranny? Or do ppl only do so in order to fit a good JDM powertrain more easily?

 

Swapping it into what?

 

None of those reasons, really. No real advantage unless it's cheaper.

Some people get a good deal on the old motors (1st gen B16/B18 are cheap) or already have the old motors with cable trans and want to put them in a newer chassis, so they do the hydro>cable conversion.

Those cable trans are inferior to the newer hydro units, and some use funky axles.